Positive Pressure Type Patents (Class 422/242)
  • Publication number: 20020073617
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means, and heat distribution means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Yang Li, Vitaliy Myasnikov, Valeriy Sobolev
  • Publication number: 20020073618
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means adapted to use an aerosol coolant, and heat distribution means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Yang Li, Vitaliy Myasnikov, Valeriy Sobolev, Farshad Bavarian
  • Patent number: 6372190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Lothar Zehe, Mieczyslaw Kuzma, Hartwig Rauleder
  • Patent number: 6352674
    Abstract: A method of converting a plastic waste into oil by decomposing the plastic waste by a reaction using water in a supercritical or near supercritical region as a reaction medium. In this method, the reaction is conducted by using a tubular continuous reactor. The present invention further provides an apparatus therefor. Moreover, the present invention provides a method of converting a plastic waste into oil by conducting the reaction after hydrogen chloride is removed by performing the pyrolysis of the plastic waste in the case that the plastic waste contain chlorine. The present invention further provides an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Matsubara, Hiroshi Makihara, Kazuto Kobayashi, Masaki Iijima
  • Publication number: 20020009400
    Abstract: A reactor (20) and a process for upgrading solid materials, such as coal, having low thermal conductivity are disclosed. The reactor includes an outer shell (10) that defines an internal volume for retaining a packed bed of solid materials to be treated and a plurality of plates (12a to 12h) of a thermally conductive material positioned within the internal volume. Each plate includes one or more passageways (14a to 14h) through which a heat transfer fluid can flow. In use, each plate defines one or more thermally conductive bypass or bypasses between the heat transfer fluid and the solid materials in the region of the plate so that in use substantially all of the solids are heated or cooled to a desired temperature range by heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the solids via the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: DAVID STEWART CONOCHIE, DARREN JAMES MATTHEWS
  • Publication number: 20020006367
    Abstract: A method of converting a plastic waste into oil by decomposing the plastic waste by a reaction using water in a supercritical or near supercritical region as a reaction medium. In this method, the reaction is conducted by using a tubular continuous reactor. The present invention further provides an apparatus therefor. Moreover, the present invention provides a method of converting a plastic waste into oil by conducting the reaction after hydrogen chloride is removed by performing the pyrolysis of the plastic waste in the case that the plastic waste contain chlorine. The present invention further provides an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: WATARU MATSUBARA, HIROSHI MAKIHARA, KAZUTO KOBAYASHI, MASAKI IIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20010048908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: LOTHAR ZEHE, MIECZYSLAW KUZMA, HARTWIG RAUDLER
  • Publication number: 20010020346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechink GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schingnitz, Christian Reuther, Dietmar Degenkolb
  • Patent number: 6287526
    Abstract: A dynamic sealing structure for pressure vessels used in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The structure includes a cylindrical vessel liner and a removable liner cap, each formed of a microwave transparent material. The liner has a circular mouth with a lip formed of respective first and second beveled edges, with the first beveled edge forming an interior edge of the circular mouth and the second beveled edge forming an exterior edge of the circular mouth. The cap includes respective interior and exterior faces, with a sleeve depending from the interior face and having a circumference that engages the interior surface of the vessel liner for being urged under pressure against the interior surface of the vessel liner. The interior face of the cap comprising a circular channel outward of the sleeve and having a circumference that engages the lip of the vessel liner, and with the channel comprising two beveled edges that respectively engage both beveled edges of the lip of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6273134
    Abstract: A sterilizer valve including a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, a vent, and a centerbore intersecting the inlet, outlet and vent. The valve further includes a valve stem having a shot chamber for holding a volume of sterilizing fluid, a fill passage having one end in fluid communication with the shot chamber and a second end intersecting the exterior surface at a fill port. The valve stem also has fluid communicating paths extending through the interior and disposed in an external surface of the valve stem. The valve stem is rotatably disposed in the centerbore of the valve body to selectively fluidly connect the shot chamber with the vent through the fluid communication paths upon the valve stem having different rotational positions with respect to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Edwards, Francis J. Lahey, Kerry W. Leppert
  • Publication number: 20010005493
    Abstract: A system for pressurizing a propylene polymerization reactor includes: a pressurization vessel including an internal heat exchanger; a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure in the vessel, the pressure sensor providing a signal indicative of the pressure in the vessel; a control valve for supplying heated gas to a first region of the vessel in response to signals from the pressure sensor, the first region of the vessel being maintained above the critical temperature and pressure of propylene; a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in a second region of the pressurization vessel, the temperature sensor providing a signal indicative of the temperature in the second region of the vessel; and a control valve for supplying a cooling medium to the internal heat exchanger to cool propylene in the second region below the critical temperature of propylene at the pressure in the pressurization vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thanh Nguyen, Wes Parker, Don Austin, Aron Griffith
  • Patent number: 6241953
    Abstract: A reaction product is formed and transferred from an autoclave to a receiving vessel at a laminar flow rate, using a self-adjusting transfer mechanism. A specific amount of water in the receiving vessel is heated and vaporized prior to the reaction product transfer to raise the pressure in the receiving vessel to saturation pressure. A flow passage between the autoclave and the receiving vessel is now opened, and a resulting pressure differential between the autoclave and the receiving vessel initiates the transfer process. A heat exchanger cools the reaction product flowing from the autoclave to the receiving vessel, where the amount of cooling is dependent upon the transfer rate of the reaction product. An increased transfer rate will cause the hotter reaction product entering the receiving vessel to increase the pressure inside the receiving vessel, thereby reducing, or self-adjusting, the transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Ceramic Oxides International B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Krijgsman
  • Patent number: 6177054
    Abstract: A reactor vessel comprising (a) a cylindrically shaped, hollow core element as the inner wall, which element is open at both ends; and (b) at least one layer of high performance fibers, preferably having a tensile strength of at least 100 MPa, arranged around the core element in an essentially circumferential orientation, wherein the fibers are embedded in a rigid polymeric or resinous matrix. The reactor vessel is suitably part of a high pressure reactor, which further includes two plugging elements arranged in the opposing open ends of the vessel, which plugging elements are mounted on a common frame for balancing the forces exerted on the plugging elements. The reactor is very suitable for use in high pressure operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Instituut Voor Agrotechnologisch Onderzoek (ATO-DLO)
    Inventor: Paul Vincent Bartels
  • Patent number: 6174502
    Abstract: A sterilized article is within the interior of a diffusion-restricted container. The container substantially prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior thereof. The container has at least one communication port which permits entry of gas and/or vapor into the interior, but prevents entry of microorganisms into the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Tralance O. Addy, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Jon Morrell Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6136609
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid material has a high-pressure vessel, a pressurizing assembly for supplying a liquid material to the high-pressure vessel in order to allow the high-pressure vessel to process the liquid material under a high pressure therein, a depressurizing assembly for receiving and depressurizing the processed liquid material supplied under a high pressure from the high-pressure vessel, and a working fluid control system for controlling the depressurizing assembly. The depressurizing assembly has a plurality of cylinder device comprising respective pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in the cylinder devices, respective processing pressure chambers for selectively receiving the liquid material from the high-pressure vessel, and respective working pressure chambers for selectively receiving a working fluid from the working fluid control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Kagome Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsu Sato, Takahiro Inakuma, Yukio Ishiguro, Naoji Komeya, Masami Shibamoto, Yukio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6086832
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a solid catalyst which can enlarge a range of an applied fluid used for an evaluation of a performance of the solid catalyst and can accurately evaluate the performance of the solid catalyst on a laboratory scale and a method of evaluating a solid catalyst using the apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Ohta
  • Patent number: 6066263
    Abstract: A safe and efficient hydrothermal reaction apparatus for converting waste plastic into oil is described herein. The apparatus comprises a receiver tank for containing therein a mixture of plastic and water; a high-pressure injection pump in communication with the receiver tank through a flow passage change-over valve, the flow passage change-over valve being in communication with a water injection passage; a reactor device including a curved piping in communication with the injection pump, the curved piping being provided with a heating means; and an effluent tank in communication with the reactor device through a pressure reducing valve. The flow rate of the mixture injected into the reaction device may be controlled by regulating the pressure reducing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignees: Tohoku Electric Power Company, Inc., Ohei Developmental Industries, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hisaaki Makino, Takehiko Moriya, Yoshihisa Saito, Masazumi Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 6054103
    Abstract: A mixing vessel for a process using supercritical process media, the vessel including an agitator for mixing a batch of materials and a process media in a supercritical state in the vessel to produce a reaction mixture based on a selectable reaction process; and heat transfer system for controlling temperature of the reaction mixture, the heat transfer system comprising a liner that generally conforms to an interior surface geometry of the vessel, with the liner comprising a high thermal conductivity material; the liner comprising an interior heat transfer surface in thermal exchange with the reaction mixture, and a plurality of fluid channels; heat transfer fluid that circulates through the channels and in thermal exchange with the heat transfer surface; and a heat transfer fluid supply exterior the pressure vessel for circulating the heat transfer fluid through the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ferro Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick S. Mandel
  • Patent number: 6053010
    Abstract: A method for aging steel-making slag comprising the steps of charging normal temperature steel-making slag crushed to the extent that the slag having a grain diameter of 25 mm or less which constitutes 80% or more of the total amount into a pressure vessel which can be closed tight enough to seal a pressure substantially higher than atmosphere. The pressure vessel is closed and pressureized steam is supplied into the said vessel for heating the said pressure vessel and slag to raise the temperature and the pressure in the said pressure vessel while discharging condensed hot water. The interior of the vessel is kept under a condition saturated by steam and pressurized up to 2 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 G for 1 to 5 hours. The pressure in the pressure vessel is reduced to be equalized with atmosphere. The steel-making slag is then discharged from the vessel. Apparatus is provided for carrying out the above process and includes a pressure vessel having an opening lid for charging and discharging steel-making slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Morishita, Hiroshi Koide, Keiichi Komai, Yoshitaka Kinugawa, Yosuke Suezawa, Kazunari Teramae
  • Patent number: 6042793
    Abstract: The invention discloses a plurality of cylindrical slugs linked together by a cable. The slugs are separated by spacers and the cable is crimped at each end thereof to keep the slugs and spacers from coming off the cable. The cable-slugs-spacers assembly is inserted through a guide tube and into an annulus locking the cover of the pressure vessel to the housing of the vessel. A relief mechanism is provided in the cover to ensure that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly is fully inserted in the annulus thus preventing accidental extrication of the cover when the vessel is pressurized. A proximity sensor is positioned in the housing of the vessel and senses the pressure of the first slug inserted into the annulus thus insuring that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly has been fully inserted in the annulus. A coupling is provided on one end of the cable-slugs-spacers assembly to positively lock the assembly in place ensuring that the cover will not be extricated from the pressure vessel under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Rosio, Richard K. Reber, Marc Quint
  • Patent number: 6030587
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. An oxidizer, preferably hydrogen peroxide, is mixed with a carrier fluid, preferably water, and the mixture is heated until the fluid achieves supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The heating means comprise cartridge heaters placed in closed-end tubes extending into the center region of the pressure vessel along the reactor longitudinal axis. A cooling jacket surrounds the pressure vessel to remove excess heat at the walls.Heating and cooling the fluid mixture in this manner creates a limited reaction zone near the center of the pressure vessel by establishing a steady state density gradient in the fluid mixture which gradually forces the fluid to circulate internally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Brent Lowell Haroldsen, Benjamin Chiau-pin Wu
  • Patent number: 6007680
    Abstract: Apparatus for safely carrying out pressurized peroxide bleaching of pulp in a bleaching vessel at a consistency exceeding 8%, the bleaching vessel designed for at least 0.5 MPa overpressure, with the pulp being pumped to the bleaching vessel through a mixer at a temperature exceeding 90.degree. C., wherein a bypass conduit is provided to bypass the mixer and wherein a valve is provided in the bleaching vessel, the valve opening when the pressure in the bleaching vessel or an affiliated part thereof reaches a first set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Torbjorn Carlsson, Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 5932182
    Abstract: Reactor for containing high pressure, high temperature, corrosive reactions, especially supercritical water reactions. The reactor comprises an inner reactor vessel which houses the corrosive reaction, an outer containment vessel which contains a substantial level of the pressure, and insulating means to contain the high temperature of the inner reactor, which prevents the outer containment vessel from rising above a specified maximum temperature. Using this reactor, the lifetime and reliability of the materials of construction are increased because the outer pressure-containing vessel does not experience the high temperatures which tend to cause metals and alloys to lose ductility, and the inner reactor vessel does not experience a high pressure drop across its walls and, therefore, can be made of temperature and corrosive-resistant materials which are not required to sustain high stress without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol Ann Blaney
  • Patent number: 5879637
    Abstract: Cellulosic material is converted to ethanol by hydrolyzing the cellulosic material in a gravity pressure vessel (50), and fermenting the product thereof. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is adapted to accommodate a continuous hydrolysis reaction and maximize the fermentable product yield on a commercial scale. The gravity pressure vessel (50) employed is also adapted to maximize the thermodynamic efficiencies of the hydrolysis reaction, as well as the entire ethanol producing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eau-Viron Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 5843386
    Abstract: A safe and efficient hydrothermal reaction apparatus is described herein. Decomposition or synthesis of object material is performed by the continuous passing of the material through a flow passage of multi-staged reactor units under turbulent flow conditions. The flow passage is formed by a curved or spiral piping. In each reactor unit, a hot plate block is included as a heating unit. The hot plate block and the curved piping are placed in an appropriate thermal contact relationship. A portion of the curved piping is freely supported, so as to accommodate stress caused in the piping under high-temperature/high-pressure conditions. A tank is provided for regulating or controlling the pressure fluctuation within the flow passage which may be caused by solids or powder present or occurring in the flow passage during high-pressure treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignees: Tohoku Electric Power Company, Inc., Ohei Developmental Industries Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hisaaki Makino, Takehiko Moriya, Yoshihisa Saito, Masazumi Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 5792428
    Abstract: An apparatus for oligomerization of C.sub.4 and C.sub.5 isoolefins or the etherification thereof with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alcohols wherein the reactants are contacted first in a partial liquid phase reactor (boiling point reactor) with a fixed bed acid cation exchange resin catalyst at an LHSV of 5 to 20, pressure of 0 to 400 psig and temperature of 120.degree. to 300.degree. F., at a pressure to maintain the reaction mixture at its boiling point whereby at least a portion but less than all of the reaction mixture is vaporized and the entire reaction stream is directed to a catalytic distillation column reactor for further reaction of the reactants, where the improvement is having a decoupling drum between the boiling point reactor and the catalytic distillation column reactor. The addition of a decoupler drum allows the reactors to operate at a pressure independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing Company
    Inventors: Amarjit S. Bakshi, Timothy P. McGuirk, J. C. Gupta, Thomas Koval
  • Patent number: 5723045
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are disclosed for the supercritical water oxidation of organic waste materials which avoids or at least substantially reduces the corrosion and solids deposition problems associated with prior art techniques. According to this invention, externally heated supercritical water is fed to a platelet tube reactor to both protectively coat its inner surface and heat the waste stream to oxidation reaction conditions. Higher reaction temperatures can be used as compared to prior art processes, which significantly improves the reaction rate and permits smaller reactors to be used. The protective film of water on the reactor inner surface, coupled with the elimination of preheating of the waste material, substantially reduces solids deposition and corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Development Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest Ludwig Daman
  • Patent number: 5672316
    Abstract: A microwave-heatable pressure reactor is provided for continuous or discontinuous treatment of liquid. The liquid is conveyed by means of a high-pressure pump in a pipeline which extends into a microwave-heatable zone of the pressure container into which it finally lets out through the free opening with a volume of pipe sufficient for the treatment of a desired quantity of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Gunter Knapp
  • Patent number: 5670040
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the supercritical water oxidation of organic waste materials which avoids or at least substantially reduces the corrosion and solids deposition problems associated with prior art techniques and which provides for efficient heating of the waste material to reaction conditions. Externally heated supercritical water is fed to a compound platelet tube reactor. The compound reactor includes a reaction zone and inner (smaller) and outer (larger) concentric platelet tubes supported concentrically within a shell. The water fed to the reactor both protectively coats surfaces of the inner and outer platelet tubes facing the reaction zone and heats the waste stream to oxidation reaction conditions. Higher reaction temperatures can be used as compared to prior art processes, which significantly improves the reaction rate and permits smaller reactors to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Development Corporation
    Inventor: Kawaljit Singh Ahluwalia
  • Patent number: 5667758
    Abstract: A processing vessel in which a temperature control element defining a helical flow passage, disposed on an outer surface of an inner barrel within the processing vessel. The barrel contains a processing liquid and a heating or cooling temperature control medium is caused to flow through the flow passage. The inner barrel and temperature control element are disposed in a vessel body to define a chamber between the temperature control element and an inner surface of the vessel body. The chamber defined between the vessel body and the temperature control element is a closed chamber. Preferably, a system for generally equalizing the pressures in the inner barrel and the closed chamber is provided. The temperature control element can be assembled in the vessel body after being manufactured outside the vessel body. Therefore, the processing vessel can be manufactured with improved efficiency and can be serviced by ordinary in-vessel maintenance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Matsugi, Haruyuki Nishimi
  • Patent number: 5614087
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for oxidizing an aqueous suspension of organic matter at elevated pressure. The apparatus has a reactor and an inlet for the aqueous suspension which is introduced to an upstream end of the reactor. A device for circulating the aqueous suspension through the reactor. An inlet for an oxygen containing gas introduced to the aqueous suspension. An outlet for removing treated aqueous suspension from a downstream end of the reactor and a static mixer vane arrangement for splitting, rearranging and combining the aqueous suspension as the circulating device circulates the aqueous suspension through the reactor. The improvement comprises withdrawing the treated aqueous suspension from the downstream end of the reactor and combining a major portion thereof with fresh incoming aqueous suspension. The circulating device returns the combined aqueous suspension to the reactor via the inlet for the aqueous suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Kenox Corporation
    Inventor: Tho-Dien Le
  • Patent number: 5591415
    Abstract: A reactor enclosed in a pressure vessel in a manner that the walls of the pressure vessel are thermally insulated and chemically isolated from the harsh environment of the reaction zone in the reactor. This allows the pressure vessel to handle the high pressures involved, since it is maintained at a reasonably low temperature range. Simultaneously, it allows the reactor to handle the high temperatures involved, since the pressure differentials around it are only minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: RPC Waste Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Dassel, Donald C. Matter, Donald H. Rennie, Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., James E. Deaton, Fred W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5582715
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water streams is constructed by introducing a mixture of pre-heated waste water and an amount of a oxidant lower than that required to oxidize all the organic matter in the waste stream into the front port of an elongate tubular reaction chamber maintained at supercritical temperatures and pressures. The amount of oxidant is high enough, it initially raise the temperature of the stream in the reaction chamber to 750-1,200.degree. F. A first injection side port is located downstream from the front port of the reaction chamber at a distance at which the temperature has reached a maximum value, and 90-100% of the available oxidant has been consumed. Oxidant and water are simultaneously injected through the first port, in a manner that the amount of oxidant is adequate to oxidize to oxidize a specified amount of organic matter, and the amount of water is effective to counterbalance the heat produced by the ration of the co-injected oxidant with the respective organic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: RPC Waste Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., James M. Eller, Jimmy G. Swan, James E. Deaton, Robert R. Gloyna, Jerry F. Blagg
  • Patent number: 5582799
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of closing and sealing chemical reactor vessels, which are relatively less susceptible to contaminant build-up and more easily maintained in such a state.The chemical reactor vessel comprises a vessel body and a separable head attached thereto wherein the means for attaching and sealing said head to said body comprises; a seal means, a flange means, a shield means and an attachment means.The seal means functions, in compression, to prevent leakage of fluids into and from said chemical reactor vessel. The flange means functions to impose compressive loads to the seal means to cause the seal means to prevent leakage of fluids into and from the chemical reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pfaudler, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn J. Amorese, Morris E. Gruver, III
  • Patent number: 5552039
    Abstract: A high pressure and high temperature reactor, especially operating under supercritical water conditions combined with corrosive atmosphere. The reactor comprises a reaction chamber and a pressure vessel, which surrounds the reaction chamber. It has high integrity since it has only one penetration in the pressure vessel, and its size is minimized due to induced turbulent flow of the ignited reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: RPC Waste Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., James E. Deaton, James M. Eller
  • Patent number: 5432265
    Abstract: The continuous removal of solid products from a high-pressure system is achieved by operating a high-pressure pump in reverse to gradually reduce pressure at the exit line to atmospheric pressure. This process allows solid products to exit the system while at the same time maintaining high pressure in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Peggy M. Tomasula
  • Patent number: 5403563
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for collecting reaction product solids entrained in a gaseous outflow from a reaction situs, wherein the gaseous outflow includes a condensable vapor. A condensate is formed of the condensable vapor on static mixer surfaces within a static mixer heat exchanger. The entrained reaction product solids are captured in the condensate which can be collected for further processing, such as return to the reaction situs. In production of silicon imide, optionally integrated into a production process for making silicon nitride caramic, wherein reactant feed gas comprising silicon halide and substantially inert carrier gas is reacted with liquid ammonia in a reaction vessel, silicon imide reaction product solids entrained in a gaseous outflow comprising residual carrier gas and vaporized ammonia can be captured by forming a condensate of the ammonia vapor on static mixer surfaces of a static mixer heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Crosbie, Ronald L. Predmesky, John M. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5387350
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method and apparatus for treating and/or disinfecting medical wastes wherein the medical wastes may be shredded and the contact vessel may be sealed and may be under greater pressure than atmospheric pressure and may have a detention time of no more than 5 minutes. An organic hydroxy acid or carboxylic acid and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite are mixed in the contact vessel. The reaction between the acid and chlorite produces chlorine dioxide which is the active substance used to treat and/or disinfect the medical wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: George L. Williamson
    Inventor: James A. Mason
  • Patent number: 5372792
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical reactor vessel having a top end with an inlet and a bottom end with an outlet end. A refractory insulating lining is applied on the interior of the wall of the vessel. A cylindrical vertically disposed first inner basket having a generally closed top first end and an open second end in communication with the outlet conduit and having fluid pervious sidewalls surrounded by a vertically disposed outer cylindrical second basket defining a space therebetween for containment of subdivided contact material. The cylindrical second basket also has a top end, which is closed, and fluid pervious sidewalls. The cylindrical second basket is spaced away from the refractory lining of the vessel at a sufficient distance, to provide an annular space for fluid, admitted through the inlet, to progress downwardly through the annular space and then radially inwardly through the contact material contained in the space between the first and second basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Rodney T. Mueller, Catherine M. Murray, Donald F. Shaw, Robert F. Tammera
  • Patent number: 5244368
    Abstract: A high pressure/high temperature piston-cylinder-type apparatus has an electrically insulating diamond or cubic boron nitride coating disposed between one or both movable pistons and the surrounding core to electrically isolate the piston or pistons from the surrounding core. The electrically insulating coating is applied to the exterior surface of one or both of the pistons or, alternately, to the inner surface of the core. Electrically insulated, right circular cylindrical pistons are used at both ends of the apparatus resulting in the ability to uniformly compress reaction charges at high temperatures with a much higher length-to-diameter ratio. A ring of electrical insulating material is alternately mounted at the reaction charge end of each piston, with the remaining exterior surface of each piston coated with a thin, elastically insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Robert H. Frushour
  • Patent number: 5244638
    Abstract: A high temperature high pressure furnace has a hybrid partially externally heated construction. A metallic vessel fabricated from an alloy having a composition of at least 45% nickel, 15% chrome, and 10% tungsten is utilized (the preferred alloy including 55% nickel, 22% chrome, 14% tungsten, 2% molybdenum, 3% iron (maximum) and 5% cobalt (maximum). The disclosed alloy is fabricated into 11/4 or 2 inch, 32 mm or 50 mm bar stock and has a length of about 22 inches, 56 cm. This bar stock has an aperture formed therein to define a closed high temperature, high pressure oxygen chamber. The opposite and closed end of the vessel is provided with a small blind aperture into which a thermocouple can be inserted. The closed end of the vessel is inserted into an oven, preferably heated by standard nickel chrome electrical elements and having a heavily insulated exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Donald E. Morris
  • Patent number: 5236674
    Abstract: A high pressure reaction vessel includes an inner bushing surrounding a reaction charge. The inner bushing is formed of at least one material having a low shear strength that undergoes a polymorphic phase change to a more dense phase within the operating pressure range of the reaction vessel. The bushing may be formed of at least two low shear strength materials with one of the materials undergoing polymorphic phase change to a more dense phase. The one of the two materials which undergoes a polymorphic phase change forms between 10% and 90% of the total volume of the inner bushing. In another embodiment, a pressure transmitting media and an electrical resistance heater tube are concentrically arranged within the inner bushing. The pressure transmitting media is formed of a low shear strength material that undergoes a polymorphic phase change to a more dense phase. In both embodiments, the low shear strength material undergoing polymorphic phase change is potassium bromide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Robert H. Frushour
  • Patent number: 5236669
    Abstract: This invention relates to vessel for high pressure and optionally high temperature processes. More specifically it relates to a pressure vessel having a non-threaded plug, the vessel being useful as a chemical reactor and for polymer processing at high pressures and optionally elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Walter J. Simmons, Edward G. Howard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5190730
    Abstract: A liquid phase process for oligomerization of C.sub.4 and C.sub.5 isoolefins or the etherification thereof with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alcohols wherein the reactants are contacted in a reactor with a fixed bed acid cation exchange resin catalyst at an LHSV of 5 to 20, pressure of 0 to 400 psig and temperature of 120.degree. to 300.degree. F. Wherein the improvement is the operation of the reactor at a pressure to maintain the reaction mixture at its boiling point whereby at least a portion but less than all of the reaction mixture is vaporized. By operating at the boiling point and allowing a portion of the reaction mixture to vaporize, the exothermic heat of reaction is dissipated by the formation of more boil up and the temperature in the reactor is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Smith, Jr., Dennis Hearn, Edward M. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5190734
    Abstract: An end cap apparatus for high pressure, high temperature reaction vessels having a reaction chamber containing a reaction charge includes a single member disposed in registry with the reaction charge in the reaction chamber which is formed of at least two or more materials, at least one of which is electrically conductive, and at least one of which is non-conductive to both heat and electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the member is formed of a mixture of graphite and an alkali halide salt. In certain applications, an outer, non-conductive ceramic member surrounds and supports the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Robert H. Frushour
  • Patent number: 5186910
    Abstract: An oxidation reactor having elongated shape includes in combination, a mixing member including a pipe for feeding oxidizing gas and a pipe for feeding oxidizable charge; a reaction member, arranged subjacent the mixing member, and a discharge member associated with a discharge pipe for the products of the reaction. The reaction member includes a central zone which has a first lining and the reactor includes at least one peripheral zone which has a second lining, passages in the second lining being smaller than passages in the first lining so that the pressure loss in the second lining is greater than that of the first lining. The second lining forms a sleeve surround the first lining and this sleeve is formed of at least one refractory heat insulating material. The oxidation reactor is provided with an external sleeve steel jacket, a concrete wall and a steel element surrounding the mixing member arranged above the reaction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jacques Alagy, Paul Broutin, Christian Busson, Yves Gougne, Jerome Weill
  • Patent number: 5171441
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method and apparatus for treating and/or disinfecting water and/or wastewater wherein the contact vessel is sealed and under greater than atmospheric pressure having a detention time of no more than 5 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: James A. Mason
  • Patent number: 5167930
    Abstract: A dual-wall pressure balanced vessel for processing high viscosity slurries at high temperatures and pressures having an outer pressure vessel and an inner vessel with an annular space between the vessels pressurized at a pressure slightly less than or equivalent to the pressure within the inner vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
  • Patent number: 5149509
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container which has a central cooling chamber and an annular chamber which surrounds the cooling chamber and contains catalyst. The gas mixture to be reacted contains H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 enters the annular chamber and first flows through the catalyst. The cooling chamber contains at least one coolant line and is provided with a passage for gas mixture coming from the annular chamber and with a gas outlet. The cooling chamber is provided at its bottom end with a drain for the liquid elementary sulfur .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Fischer, Wolfgang Nehb
  • Patent number: 5141734
    Abstract: In a process utilizing steam, the method of producing at least a portion of said steam, including heating a water-containing, solid substance for generating steam and capturing the generated steam for said process. A suitable solid substance is Al(OH).sub.3 . New alumina products and uses therefor are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Chanakya Misra, Steven W. Sucech